PennDOT DL-143CD Form – Pennsylvania CDL Renewal Guide

PennDOT DL-143CD Form – Pennsylvania CDL Renewal Guide – If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Pennsylvania and need to renew it, the official form you must use is PennDOT Form DL-143CD – Application for Renewal of Commercial Driver’s License. This guide provides current, accurate information based on official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) sources to help U.S. commercial drivers successfully complete the renewal process.

The most recent version of the form is DL-143CD (7-25). You can download it directly from the official PennDOT website:

Download Official PennDOT Form DL-143CD (PDF)

What Is PennDOT Form DL-143CD?

Form DL-143CD is the official application used by Pennsylvania commercial drivers to renew Class A, B, or C Commercial Driver’s Licenses. It is issued by the Bureau of Driver Licensing and must be used when your CDL is within six months of expiration.

Unlike non-commercial licenses, CDL renewals have stricter federal requirements under FMCSA rules. All CDL holders must prove U.S. citizenship or legal presence and Pennsylvania residency. In many cases, renewal must be completed in person.

Who Needs to Use Form DL-143CD?

You should complete Form DL-143CD if:

  • You hold a valid Pennsylvania CDL (Class A, B, or C)
  • Your license expires within the next six months
  • You need to renew with or without Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement or Class M (motorcycle) privilege
  • You are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who previously provided required identity documents (in some cases mail-in may still be possible)

Important: You cannot renew a CDL more than six months before the current expiration date.

Current Fees for CDL Renewal (as of Form DL-143CD 7-25)

Fees listed on the official form are:

  • Commercial Class A, B, or C: $127.50
  • Commercial Class A, B, or C with Hazmat: $149.50
  • Commercial Class A, B, or C with Class M: $151.50
  • Commercial Class A, B, or C with Hazmat & Class M: $173.50

Drivers age 65 and older may choose a two-year license at reduced rates:

  • CDL (2-year): $71.50
  • CDL with H or X endorsement (2-year): $93.50
  • CDL with Class M (2-year): $83.50
  • CDL with Class M and H or X endorsement (2-year): $105.50

Optional contributions:

  • Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund: +$3.00
  • Veterans’ Trust Fund: +$5.00

Payment must be made by check, money order, or debit/credit card payable to PennDOT. Cash is not accepted at Driver License Centers.

Key Federal and State Requirements for CDL Renewal

Federal regulations require every CDL holder to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence and proof of Pennsylvania residency. Your license will not be renewed until these documents are on file with PennDOT.

According to official guidance:

  • As of December 21, 2015, most new CDL applicants and renewals must appear in person unless the required documents were previously presented on or after that date.
  • Contact the PennDOT Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 to determine whether you must renew in person.

Acceptable identity documents for U.S. citizens typically include an original birth certificate with raised seal, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens must present original USCIS/immigration documents showing current lawful status.

Proof of residency (one document required) may include current utility bills, tax records, lease or mortgage documents, W-2 forms, or your current PA driver’s license.

For the most up-to-date list of acceptable documents, visit the official page: Acceptable Documentation for CDL Drivers.

How to Complete Form DL-143CD?

The form has three main sections:

  • Section A – Driver Information: Enter your current driver’s license number, full name, date of birth, telephone number, email, and previous out-of-state licenses (if any) from the past 10 years.
  • Section B – Change or Correction Only: Complete this section only if you are changing your name, address, eye color, height, or dropping privileges (Hazmat or Class M). Name changes must be done in person with original documents.
  • Section C – Authorization and Certification: Sign and date the form in ink. Certify that you meet medical and driving requirements (intrastate or interstate), do not hold a license from another state, and are not under disqualification. You may also request the Veterans Designation or contribute to the optional funds here.

Always use the most current version of the form available on the PennDOT website.

How to Submit Your CDL Renewal Application?

There are two primary methods:

  1. In-Person Renewal (most common): Take the completed Form DL-143CD, required original identity and residency documents, payment, and your current CDL to a PennDOT Driver License Center. Find locations at PennDOT Driver License Centers.
  2. Mail-In (if eligible): If PennDOT already has your citizenship/legal presence documents on file, you may be able to mail the form. Send the completed application and payment to:
    Bureau of Driver Licensing
    P.O. Box 68272
    Harrisburg, PA 17106-8272

Always call 717-412-5300 first to confirm whether mail-in is allowed for your record.

Special Notes for Hazmat Endorsement Holders

If you hold or wish to renew a Hazardous Materials (H or X) endorsement, additional federal requirements under the USA PATRIOT Act apply. You must complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment, submit fingerprints, and pay federal fees if your current assessment has expired. Visit the official Hazmat page for details: Apply for a HAZMAT Endorsement.

Important Updates for Non-Domiciled CDL Holders

Effective September 29, 2025, PennDOT paused the issuance, renewal, transfer, and replacement of all non-domiciled commercial driver products due to new U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. This pause remains in effect until further notice. Standard domiciled Pennsylvania CDL holders are not affected by this pause.

Tips for a Successful CDL Renewal

  • Download and use only the current DL-143CD (7-25) form.
  • Call the Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 before starting the process.
  • Gather original documents — photocopies are not accepted.
  • Allow extra time if you need a name change or Hazmat background check.
  • Keep your medical examiner’s certificate current if you are required to self-certify non-excepted interstate or intrastate driving.

Official Resources and Contact Information

Renewing your Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License with Form DL-143CD is a straightforward process when you follow the official requirements. Always rely on current information from PennDOT to avoid delays and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

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